Productivity potential and coconut waste quality for biorefining

Abstract

The use of biomass as an energy source has increased as far as it aims at providing sustainable energy alternatives and considerable reduction in agro-industrial and urban solid waste. Techniques employed for different types of biomass by biorefineries intend not only to add value to a bioproduct, but also to reduce environmental impact caused by industrial and agricultural residues. The coconut fruit shell residue, largely consumed in coastal regions, rich in fiber, lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses, may be transformed through chemical, biochemical and thermochemical processes, into several bioproducts with proper energetic yield such as activated carbon, ethanol and biodiesel. This work was done through literature review, magazines and articles in order to analyse the energetic potential use of green dwarf coconut biomass (Cocos nucifera) by biorefineries as well as alternatives for reducing tons of fruit fibrous drupe waste commonly dumped in the environment

Biomass energy potential of coconut varieties in Guyana

“…The processing of coconuts for export includes the removal of the husks, most often discarded unsustainably. In a study conducted in Brazil, it was found that 125 units of coconut material occupies 1m 3 volume, which has led to land management and landfill issues (Becker et al, 2016). This study found that the average energy potential of the husk of a single coconut was 7.63MJ.…”

“…In Guyana, agricultural biomasses, more specifically coconut waste (shell and husk), are abundant and discarded inappropriately, resulting in environmental pollution and social issues (Hoque and Bhattacharya 2001). Coconut (Cocos nucifera) stemming from the family of Arecaceae (palmae) thrives well in areas with altitudes lower than 1000meters (m) and around coastal regions with temperatures of 23-34C (Becker et al, 2016). The plant, usually grouped as tall and dwarf palms, produces the coconut fruit which consists of three layers; exocarp (outer skin), mesocarp (husky fibers) and endocarp (hard brown shell).…”

“…The hemicellulose, however, is a heteropolysaccharide structure which contains more than one type of monomer. According to Becker et al (2016), coconut fibers contain approximately 36-43% cellulose, 0.15-0.25% hemicellulose and 41-45% lignin. The coconut shell, however, is a uniformly dense material consisting mainly of lignin and cellulose (Raghavan 2010).…”

“…However, this type of biomass possesses a high calorific value making it ideal for energy generation. Becker et al (2016) reported that coconut shells have high carbon content and a calorific value of 20.8 MJ/kg. They can therefore be used for heat and steam production.…”

Fabrication of Composite-Based Electrospun Nanofiber Adsorbent and Application in Dye Removal

“…Coconut is being produced as one of the important foods and oil sources around the world. More than 20 million tons of coconut wastes are directly or indirectly being dumped in our ecosystem every year [4]. Being one of the top producers of coconut, the estimated wastage of coconut agriculture and processing industries in India is very high.…”